Magpies work on plans for a return of fans
NEWCASTLE United are set to communicate with fans this week about a possible return to St James’ Park.
There was brief intrigue on Saturday night when United put hospitality packages on sale for Fulham and Liverpool, fans asking why £115 tickets had been listed on the club website before season ticket holders had any news on plans for the return of spectators.
However, it is understood they were uploaded in error and soon withdrawn to avoid confusion.
Newcastle are working to finalise how a return for fans would look after Premier League rivals including Chelsea and West Ham saw limited numbers return at the weekend.
Behind the scenes it is understood plans are being ramped up for spectators being back at St James’ Park.
There could be further communication about how fans would be selected this week. A random ballot is the likely option.
At the moment Newcastle is in Tier Three, which means no fans will be allowed back into grounds because the area is classed as being “Very High Risk.”
However, a move into Tier Two - and the Government says it will review the tier system in 10 days - would allow 2,000 supporters into St James’ Park.
The club are desperate to welcome fans back and discussions have been ongoing since September.
The plans were paused when the Government cancelled a series of test events but talks will start again this week.
If there is a downgrade the first match when fans would be back would be the visit of Fulham on December 19.
It would be a sizeable logistical and administrative effort for the club, with consideration taken for the percentage of corporate tickets, concessions and also access for disabled supporters if it was just 2,000 fans into the ground. Beyond that the club would have to ensure there was Covid-safe entry and exit points into the ground and city, adequate spacing when in the ground and points for hand sanitiser stations.
At the moment the media are housed in some of the corporate boxes, so that is another consideration to be looked at.
Original plans were to have a limited number of fans back for the Burnley game, which Newcastle won 2-0.